News - Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs

November 2, 2005 - Archbishop O'Malley's letter to the Muslim community for the Feast of 'Id al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan

My dear friends in the Muslim community,

Once again, it is my pleasure to offer my prayerful best wishes as you prepare to celebrate the Feast of ‘Id al-Fitr, and to provide you a copy of the Holy See’s “Message to the Muslim Community at the End of Ramadan.” As I wish to extend my greetings to as many members of the local Muslim community as possible, I would appreciate it if you would distribute this letter and the Holy See’s message to the members of your mosques or Islamic centers.

This past October 28 was the 40th anniversary of the Catholic Church’s “Declaration on the Church’s Relation to Non-Christian Religions,” often called by its Latin title, Nostra Aetate. This document from the Second Vatican Council encourages members of the Catholic Church to enter into positive relations with the members of other religions. In particular Catholics and Muslims are urged to set aside the painful events and misunderstandings of the past in order to move into a future of positive regard and respect.

The years since the publication of Nostra Aetate have been fruitful ones for Catholic-Muslim relations. Certainly we are both very grateful for the dialogue that has been established and deepened in many parts of the world. As you know, our beloved Pope John Paul II made reaching out to Muslims a hallmark of his pontificate, and Muslims throughout the world responded with respect and gratitude. The fruits of this mutual outreach were evident in the touching words of condolence which Muslims extended to Catholics at the time of the Pope’s death. May John Paul’s example inspire us to continue the work of strengthening the bond between Christians and Muslims.

It is encouraging to know that warm and respectful working relations continue to be developed between members of the Archdiocese of Boston and the local Muslim community. In addition to our ongoing dialogue, the Interreligious Leaders Group has been a very helpful support when issues of particular concern to our religious communities arise. Our working together on issues concerning the common good and supporting relief efforts for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and others in need are a sign of a shared vision for humanity. Please be assured of my personal commitment to continue these collaborative efforts in our local communities, they enrich our society and increase the understanding and respect between our religions.

The enclosed greetings from the Holy See are signed by Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue. You may be interested to learn that Archbishop Fitzgerald will be a guest of the Archdiocese of Boston in March, and he will be participating in a two-day symposium on interreligious dialogue, which is being co-sponsored by Boston College and Brandeis University. As details of the symposium are finalized, you will be contacted by our Office for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs so that you may have the opportunity to participate in the various programs that are being planned.

Sincerely yours,

+Seán P. O'Malley, OFM Cap
Archbishop of Boston

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